Angolan Minister of State and Chief of the President's Military House, João Ernesto dos Santos, visited the province of Benguela on Thursday, 24, to assess the recovery efforts following the devastating floods that hit the region. During his visit, he expressed concerns over the destroyed dike on the Cavaco River, which was severely damaged during the floods. The minister's visit comes almost three months after his last trip to the area.
The minister's concerns were echoed by local residents, who stated that they still feel threatened by the floodwaters. Despite some recovery work being done on the dike, including the placement of rocks on one of the banks, there are still openings in other parts that are prone to flooding. The minister's visit was focused on assessing the progress of the recovery efforts and identifying areas that need improvement.
João Ernesto dos Santos also visited a house that is being repaired in the Calomanga area, one of the most affected regions. The house is one of 50 that were severely damaged by the floods. The minister then proceeded to the Graça neighborhood, where the construction of 225 social houses for displaced families is underway. The project, valued at over 11 billion kwanzas, aims to provide housing for families affected by the floods.
The construction of the houses is being carried out by four companies, including one Chinese, one Vietnamese, and two local companies. The minister expressed skepticism about the project's timeline, stating that he has experience with similar situations and doubts the contractors' guarantees. The houses and seven social facilities, including schools, a daycare center, a health center, and a public service center, are expected to be completed by February 2027.
The minister's concerns were also fueled by the challenges faced by the contractors, who have already admitted to reducing the execution time from eight to six months. The issue of payment was also raised, with the governor of Benguela, Manuel Nunes Júnior, stating that the government will work to ensure that the contract is fulfilled, but not confirming the 15% down payment.
The project aims to build over 1,000 houses for displaced families, with the Graça neighborhood being the first phase. The minister emphasized that the priority is to complete the houses and fulfill the government's promises. The visit by João Ernesto dos Santos highlights the government's efforts to address the needs of the affected communities and ensure that the recovery efforts are on track.
The Angolan government's response to the floods has been focused on providing assistance to affected families and rebuilding infrastructure. The construction of new houses and social facilities is a key part of this effort, aimed at improving the living conditions of those affected by the floods. The minister's visit serves as a reminder of the challenges that remain in the recovery process and the need for continued support and resources.
Key points
- The Angolan government has committed to building over 1,000 houses for displaced families affected by the floods in Benguela province.
- The construction of 225 social houses in the Graça neighborhood is expected to be completed by February 2027.
- The minister of state, João Ernesto dos Santos, expressed concerns over the recovery efforts and the timeline for completing the housing projects.
